Get Vaccinated
Be sure you are up to date on all of your vaccines including measles and hepatitis A, B & C. It is a good idea to get flu shots as well. Being vaccinated will keep you healthy and save you a lot of trouble. It is no fun getting sick on a trip you’ve been looking forward to. Also be sure to carry your medicines and multivitamins (if applicable) and the common medicines everyone should pack. Click the button below to see what should be included in your bags.
Learn a Little Urdu
Many locals read and speak English, especially the youth. But it may be a good idea to learn some basics of Urdu to make your journey easier and in case you want to chat with local people. They often love talking to newcomers, helping where they can and telling stories.
Cultural Sensitivities
The major cities of Pakistan are more liberal than the villages and other remote places. Dress in the cities can be modest to casual, though modest is preferred.
The village areas are very modest. Cautious interaction between men and women is encouraged in these areas. Dress should modest as well for both men and women.
Hospitality
Pakistanis are some of the most hospitable people in the world and will go to great lengths to welcome foreigners and put them at ease. If you are hosted by a family for a meal, a day, or even a lengthened stay, try not to feel overwhelmed if you see them prioritizing your comfort before their own. It is believed that the guest is a blessing so the locals especially get excited to have guests over. They also enjoy engaging with foreigners and brushing up on their English speaking skills, teaching foreigners about their lifestyle and customs and telling stories. You might find that Pakistanis are amongst the kindest, most loving and most respectful people you have ever met. So don’t be afraid to chat with them and ask lots of questions.
What to Pack
The weather is cold in November to January. In February it begins to warm up and by May it begins to heat up. Summer is very hot and some areas are humid with warm monsoon rains generally around June & July. Nights are usually cold in the winter, cool during fall and spring and warm during the summers. It is best to pack your bags according to the weather conditions during the time of your trip. Please feel free to email us if you have any questions to help you make the best of your trip. Click the button below to see what we suggest for you to pack.
Cash on Hand
Although many stores and restaurants in the major cities will take credit cards, most of Pakistan relies heavily on cash. It is best to convert your money before you arrive to the country or exchange your money in the bigger cities that give you better rates.
TIP: Crisp new $100 bills that are clean and not bent get better exchange rates than any other bills. Also some venders will happily take dollars over rupees because this helps them convert the dollars to more money later on.
Food & Drink
Food: Most places in Pakistan serve spicy food. Be sure to let them know if you want it mild. Restaurants in larger cities have more options and will serve milder food and have more options for international food. You will find that almost every main city has at least one Chinese restaurant and larger cities have Italian, American, Thai, etc. as well as Subway, McDonalds, and other international food chains. Unless your body has already been exposed to all kinds of bacteria from your travels, it is advised not to eat most street foods to prevent sickness. Street food can be amazing but it takes a number of exposures to the country before the body can handle pretty much anything.
Don’t miss out on the delicious local dishes, and the fruits in Pakistan are amongst the best in the world!
Drinks: If you have not traveled to a country like Pakistan before, it is advised that you drink only bottled water, boxed juices and sodas. The water in Pakistan isn’t so great in some areas. Prepackaged drinks are your best bet to prevent getting sick.
Alcohol: Alcohol is not easily available and is frowned upon because Pakistan is an Islamic republic, which prohibits alcohol consumption.
Bargaining While Shopping
Pakistan is a bargain oasis. You can bargain on just about anything. Most vendors in the shopping bazaars are open to haggling so if you are up for it, go for it! Shopping can be super fun in Pakistan because there is so much to choose from and every city has its own uniqueness and things they specialize in. Be sure to ask around about what the city’s specialties are.
TIP: It is best to take a local person with you when shopping because many vendors price their merchandise according to the location and buyer. The same thing may be three times cheaper somewhere else or the vendor may give one person a better deal than another. The local guide will help you understand how things should be priced and how to bargain for the right deal.
Some of the best items and souvenirs to get from Pakistan include: Handicrafts, traditional clothes, jewelry, shoes, khussas (handmade leather shoes), shawls, dried fruits and nuts, herbal remedies, leatherwear and more!
Safety First
As is with many countries, visitors are advised to remain vigilant and keep themselves and their property safe. Here are some suggestions:
- Be alert of whats happening around you.
- If you are able to, take someone with you when going out at night, especially if you are female.
- Carry your valuables with you or leave in a safe place.
- Carry your id, passport and photocopies of your important travel documents in case a local authority, like a police officer, asks to see them. Visitors may be asked to register at a number of check posts for their own safety.
- Keep your wallets inaccessible to others and purses zipped properly.
- Keep your cell phones safe
- If carrying a backpack, keep valuables tucked in so they are not easy to grab if zipper is opened.
- Divide cash into 2-3 portions and in different areas of your clothes, bags etc. Wearing an inner belt (under your clothes) with excess cash is a good idea.
- Have handy the name, address and phone number of the hotel you are staying at and the number of a local guide in case you get lost.
Stay Connected
The first thing you want to do when you land is get yourself a local sim card to avoid costly roaming charges. There are a few companies to choose from right at the airport. Ask your local guide which options might be best for you according to area coverage, data volume and frequency of calls. You might also want to ask about getting wi-fi access.
Keep our Whatsapp number handy in case you need to reach us for questions. We would love to be updated on your journey and share some of your photos.
